Practicing Good Cyber Security Hygiene: What you can do to protect yourself online.

By TJ Gallagher

     Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, with new threats and technical terms emerging constantly. However, protecting yourself online doesn't have to be a daunting task. This guide aims to demystify essential cybersecurity concepts for the average internet user. By following the clear, practical advice outlined here, you'll gain the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard your digital life. We'll cover everything from password best practices to identifying scams, empowering you to use the web with greater confidence and security.

1. Strong Passwords are Your First Defense

  • Unique and complex: Each account should have its own strong password (12+ characters, mix of upper/lowercase, numbers, symbols).
  • Avoid reuse: Never use the same password across different websites or services.
  • Password manager: Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords. These tools often offer autofill features making secure login even easier.

2. Protect Your Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • The extra layer: 2FA adds a second layer of security beyond your password (code sent to a phone, security key, authenticator app).
  • Availability: Enable 2FA whenever possible on important accounts like email, banking, and social media.

3. Software Updates: Patch Those Vulnerabilities

  • Operating system and apps: Make sure your devices and software are always updated. Patches fix security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
  • Turn on automatic updates: This is easiest way to ensure your system is always protected.

4. Antivirus and Firewalls

  • Protective shield: Invest in quality antivirus software for your devices. It detects and prevents malware.
  • Firewall: Your router probably has a built-in firewall. Make sure it's activated to block unwanted network traffic.

5. Beware of Phishing Attacks

  • Sneaky tricks: Phishing emails or texts try to steal your information by impersonating companies or individuals.
  • Don't click rashly: Look for typos, strange domain names, unusual requests. If unsure, go to the official website directly instead of clicking links.
  • Report: If you suspect phishing, report it to the official entity being impersonated.

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi

  • Strong password: Use a complex password for your home Wi-Fi.
  • Modern encryption: Ensure your router is configured with the latest encryption protocols (WPA2 or better)
  • Guest network: Separate your devices from visitors with a guest network.

7. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

  • Untrusted territory: Limit sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi (banking, shopping).
  • VPN: If you must use public Wi-Fi, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data. Consider a reputable VPN for added security.

8. Smart Browsing Habits

  • Stick to HTTPS: Look for the "https" and padlock in your browser's address bar, showing a secure, encrypted connection.
  • Downloads: Download files only from trusted sources.
  • Pop-ups: Be cautious of pop-up ads that could lead to malicious websites.

9. Back Up Your Data Regularly

  • Worst case scenario: Backups protect against data loss due to malware, hardware failure, or accidents.
  • Cloud and offline options: Use cloud storage services and/or a physical external drive.

10. Be Mindful of Your Social Footprint

  • Oversharing: Limit the personal information you share online on social media and other platforms.
  • Privacy settings: Regularly check your privacy settings on social media and control who can see your information.

Additional Tips:

  • Stay informed: Cybersecurity is dynamic. Stay aware of new threats and scams.
  • Think before you click: Err on the side of caution before clicking links, opening attachments, or giving out information online.

Remember: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. By practicing good hygiene, you drastically reduce your risk of cyberattacks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Share your thoughts!

Popular posts from this blog

Latest AV-Comparatives Consumer AV Test Results (April 2024)

By TJ Gallagher
Image
Hello, this is more of an information post; here is an overview of the various tests that were released by the anti-virus testing lab AV Comparatives . False Positive Test https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/false-alarm-test-march-2024/ The latest False Alarm Test from AV-Comparatives reveals that not all antivirus products are created equal when it comes to avoiding false positives. Some products generated very few false alarms, while others had a much higher rate. This can lead to frustration, unnecessary file deletions, and even system problems. Key Points: False positives are a significant metric for assessing antivirus quality. Products with higher false alarms rates are likely to be less reliable and disruptive to users. FPs are a key quality metric: A lower FP rate indicates better overall antivirus performance. Vendor differences exist: Focus on the significant variation in FP numbers across tested products. Impact on user experience: Highlight how FPs disrupt workflows and e...
Read more

Unlock Microsoft Defender's Full Potential: Tools to Boost Your Security

By TJ Gallagher
Image
             While Microsoft Defender has significantly improved over the years, rising from subpar status to earn respect from independent labs, consumers using the standard version face limitations. Customization options are restricted, potentially hindering the product's overall effectiveness.      The default settings for the built-in Microsoft Defender can be described as passive. They rely on a more reactive approach to threats, putting a heavier emphasis on the user to manually select an action upon detection. This can allow a threat to persist on the system if the user doesn't quickly quarantine or remove it via the Windows Security Center. An example of this is shown below. Credit: Microsoft Community As we can see, the threat in this screenshot is still active - meaning it still posses a threat to the user until action is taken. This is a common issue with Microsoft Defender's default settings on Windows 10 and 11.  In add...
Read more